Hope in the Struggle: A Gospel Response to Suffering and the Self

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Fellowship Bible Church, Sewell NJ

November 15, 2025

Hope in the Struggle: A Gospel Response to Suffering and the Self

Join us for a one-day seminar exploring a biblical view of suffering, self-reliance, anger, and unforgiveness. Through gospel-centered teaching, you’ll gain clarity, hope, and practical wisdom for both trials and blessings. These truths are essential not only for your own walk with God but also for discipling others, as you learn to think biblically about life’s hardest moments. Discover how God’s sovereignty shapes every circumstance and grow in your dependence on His goodness—for your soul’s transformation and for the encouragement of those you walk alongside.

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What is Addiction?

At its heart, addiction is idolatry. Addiction is putting desires and behaviors for something ahead of God and pursuing these with an unhealthy lust. Another way to describe it is being in bondage to besetting sins. Addiction impacts not only the person that is addicted, but also those around the addict – family, friends, and others.

Who Should Attend?

For Those in a Season of Difficulty:
  • Understand God’s purposes in hardship
  • Apply the gospel in life’s trials
  • Find hope in Christ, not circumstances
For Those in a Season of Growth:
  • See how the gospel shapes marriage, parenting, work, and friendships
  • Build a foundation to suffer well with faith
For Disciplers and Leaders:
  • Tools to disciple with both heart change and sound doctrine
  • Wisdom to shepherd others with gospel-centered compassion in God

Meet Our Featured Instructor

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Rick Thomas launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities include resource creation and leadership development, which he fulfills through speaking, writing, podcasting, and education. In 1990, he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000, he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006, he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).

Hope in the Gospel Schedule

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Saturday

8:00 AM

8:30-9:30

9:30-10:00

10:00-10:15

10:15-11:15

11:15-11:40

11:45-1:00

1:00-2:00

2:00-2:30

2:30-2:45

2:45-3:45

3:45-4:15

4:15

Registration Opens

Theology of Suffering – When Life Hurts:
Thinking Biblically About Suffering

Q&A/Workshop Session

Refreshment Break

The Illusion of Self-Reliance -
The Strength of Surrender

Q&A/Workshop Session

Lunch Break

The Heart of Anger -
What It Reveals, What It Costs

Q&A/Workshop Session

Refreshment Break

Unforgiveness and the Gospel -
When Forgiveness Feels Impossible

Q&A/Workshop Session

Closing Comments

Friday

6:00 PM Registration Begins

7:00-7:15 Welcome, Prayer & Worship

7:15-8:15 Understanding Temptation & Relapse (Mark Shaw)

8:15-8:25 Break

8:25-9:00 Breakout Groups

Saturday

8:30 AM Registration Begins

9:45-10:00 Welcome, Prayer & Worship

10:00-11:00 Addiction Proof Parenting (Mark Shaw)

11:00-11:15 Break

11:15-12:00 Breakout Groups

12:00-1:15 Lunch

1:15-2:15 Raising Sexually Faithful Kids

2:15-2:30 Break

2:30-3:15 Breakout Groups

3:15-3:30 Closing, Prayer & Worship

Important Seminar Information

Costs

There is no cost to attend this seminar, but we ask that you reserve your spot by registering in advance.

Register Now

Meals and Snacks

You can bring your own lunch or pre-order a bag lunch containing a turkey and cheese sandwich or wrap, chips, dessert during the registration process.

Hotels

There are local hotels, the closest ones being in the vicinity of the Rowan University campus.

Exhibitors

We will have opportunities for exhibitors to set up their displays and tables. For more information, visit our Exhibitors page using the button below.

Exhibitor Information

Additional ?'s

Email us at
info@myfellowshipbible.church
Call the church office at:
856-478-9559.